DOC NYC PRO's Pitch Day

Overview

GENERAL INFORMATION PITCH DAY 2026 is now closed as of August. 7th, 11:59pm EST. NOTE: Before applying, please review the Rules & Terms section to ensure you've included all required materials. Only complete applications that meet the stated requirements will be considered for Pitch Day 2026. Pitch decks aren't part of the application process, so we kindly ask that you hold off on submitting them, as we won't be able to review them. DOC NYC PRO’s Pitch Day is a dynamic live pitch event for documentary filmmakers with work-in-progress features. Eight selected projects will showcase their films on stage for real-time expert feedback. Two projects will be awarded $30,000 each in a non-recoupable grant. DOC NYC PRO's PITCH DAY is open to all documentary filmmakers, regardless of their geographic location or that of their subjects or topics. Taking place at Village East Cinemas on Thurs. Nov. 12, 2026, this program offers a unique platform for filmmakers to engage directly with prominent figures in distribution, financing, publicity, marketing, social impact, and beyond. DOC NYC PRO's Pitch Day is co-presented by Outlier Film Fund, a newly launched nonprofit supporting independent feature documentary films, which will provide $70,000 in non-recoupable grants and honorariums, with the two winning projects to be announced during the festival. Past industry representatives have included: Amazon Studios, A&E, ABC News Studios, Black Public Media, Chicken & Egg Pictures, Cinephil, Cinetic Media, Conde Nast (The New Yorker), Disney+, Disney’s Onyx Collective, ESPN Films, Fifth Season, Firelight Media, HBO, IFC Films, Hulu, Impact Partners, Imagine Entertainment, IDA, Kickstarter, National Geographic, Netflix, NBC News Studios, NEON, Paramount+, POV, Sony Pictures Classics, Story Syndicate, Submarine Entertainment, Sundance Institute, The New York Times, WME Agency, WNET, and others. PARTICIPATION INFORMATION To participate in DOC NYC PRO's PITCH DAY, up to two team members must pitch in person, and they will receive a free industry pass. A third discounted industry pass is available for purchase for teams that have an additional member pitching, but no more than three members may pitch on stage. All participating pitch teams will benefit from: 1. Pre-event coaching with a seasoned industry professional. 2. On-stage feedback from a range of industry panelists. 3. Optional 1:1 consultations with industry representatives. 4. Opportunity to receive audience donations via an on-screen QR code during your pitch. 5. Two complimentary DOC NYC Industry Passes for each pitching team. 6. A $1250 honorarium for travel and participation for each pitch team (to be received after participation in the event) SUBMISSION INFORMATION Projects will be selected based on their storytelling approach and unique point of view, revealing unexpected truths about the world. The representation, authorship, and positionality of the project’s lead creative team will also be considered. Submissions are open to nonfiction features that are works-in-progress in EITHER an EARLY STAGE or ADVANCED STAGE. Please see below for specific criteria related to each stage. Note that the program is not intended for films that are applying to make their public screening debut at DOC NYC in November 2026. PROJECT CRITERIA BY STAGE Your project must meet all of the following in either stage: 1. EARLY STAGE -Project in Development (Story/structure still evolving, key participants secured, film in early production) -At least 10% of your budget is secured (grants, producer’s own funds, confirmed support, or a clear financing plan) -2–3 minutes of footage or visual material (teaser, test footage; does not need to be polished) 2. ADVANCED STAGE -Project in Edit (Rough Cut) or Late Production -At least 50% of your budget is secured -4–5 minutes of footage (trailer, teaser, or sample scene reflecting the current cut) QUESTIONS If you need additional assistance after reviewing all information, please email Malikkah Rollins, DOC NYC Director of Education & Industry, at industry@docnyc.net with PITCH in the subject line.

Last updated Sep 27, 2026

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FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Incredible opportunity to meet filmmakers and industry decision makers. It is expertly run by a super communicative team!

• Filmmaker

  This was a fantastic experience! Everything was great - the festival team members were precise, prompt, and easy to talk to! This is a highly recommended program whichever your stage is - either development, production, and/or rough cut!

• Filmmaker

  We were invited to pitch our feature documentary Bam Bam: The Story of Sister Nancy at the industry roundtables. We landed a number of great meetings for the film. It was so organized and had a friendly vibe - a truly wonderful experience.

• Filmmaker

  Amazing experience. Completely changed the trajectory of our film. Incredibly grateful to the Doc NYC and all of their staff for inviting our film into the Roundtables.

• Filmmaker

  Mark Andrew Altschul

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